Barkers Butts 48pts, Pershore 6

BARKERS "kicked Butts" and ended Pershore's hopes of claiming top spot in Midlands Three West (South).

The hosts gained sweet revenge for an earlier league defeat at Piddle Park when they inflicted only the home side's second league reverse of a cracking campaign so far.

It's been a season that has taken its toll on Pershore but not even a full strength side or a team that had played regularly over the past few weeks would have overcome a home side right at the top of its game.

Hindered by a crippling injury list, the visitors were torn apart by Barkers' expansive running game, support play and superb off loading in the tackle with the visiting backs regularly being outnumbered three to one.

There were positives in defeat as the Pershore scrummage was strong, line-out varied and capable and the fact that heads didn't drop was a credit to the Piddle Park men.

Pershore only trailed by nine points at the interval and, had they taken advantage of early pressure after the restart, they could have given Barkers a run for their money.

A lucky interception try proved the turning point and the visitors were unlucky in other aspects of the play as fortune favoured the hosts who went on to run in 33 second half points.

Robin Haines kicked the two Pershore penalties, while the sight of James Martin back in the fray after knee surgery was a welcome sight ahead of this Saturday's rearranged league match at Hereford.